Rolls-Royce Plans India MRO Facility As Aviation Demand And A350 Orders Surge

Pearl Doshi - Gujarat Bureau Jun 01, 2026 1,500 Views

Rolls-Royce has confirmed plans to expand its footprint in India with a civil aviation engine MRO facility, a proposed aero gas turbine complex for indigenous military engines, and exploration of small modular reactor (SMR) opportunities in the energy sector. These initiatives are expected to bring investment, jobs, and technology transfer.

Rolls-Royce is evaluating the establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India for civil aviation engines. Currently, Indian aircraft engines are serviced in Singapore and Hong Kong, but with Air India and IndiGo ordering over 100 Airbus A350 aircraft powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce engines, local MRO capabilities are becoming critical. The company already has around 100 engines operating in India across commercial and business jets.

Aero Gas Turbine Complex

With support from the UK government, Rolls-Royce has proposed an aero gas turbine complex in India with complete technology transfer. This facility would initially focus on military aircraft engines, particularly for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Rolls-Royce has targeted ground trials by 2032 and a first flight by 2034. The complex could later expand to dual-use and civil aviation applications, strengthening India’s indigenous propulsion capabilities.

Nuclear Energy And SMRs

Beyond aviation, Rolls-Royce is exploring opportunities in India’s civil nuclear sector following the enactment of the Shanti Act (2025), which opened the sector to private participation. The company is assessing the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology gaining global traction as a low-carbon energy solution. This aligns with India’s push for sustainable energy diversification.

Strategic Importance

Rolls-Royce executives have described India as a potential “fourth home market” after the UK, US, and Germany. The initiatives could involve billions of dollars in investment and create over 10,000 jobs, while deepening partnerships with Indian organizations such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

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